just being a movie theatre' By Neil Roberts For rent: One second-hand movie theatre.

Operators needed for a one-and-a-half-storey building with a refreshment counter, fixed seating, built-up stage and three-phase 208 volt electric supply.

Oh, but there is no sound or projection system.

The Bermuda Land Development Company is now preparing a tender for would-be entrepreneurs to take over the old US Navy movie-house at the St. David's Southside base.

And they want to find new uses for the 54-year-old theatre, built just as the Second World War was building up to the end.

So there's a reel opportunity for any would-be cinema aficionados -- but better still a new stage available for Bermudian theatre impresarios.

But whoever takes over will have to do a fair bit of work. No projectors and no sound system would already put a movie-operator at a disadvantage.

"Basically, we've just got a shell of a building with a lot of seats in it,'' says Mark Orchard, the BLDC's vice president of commercial development.

"But it's a unique facility. It's not like an office building.

"We are in the business of leasing buildings and attracting entrepreneurs to run the businesses.

"The entrepreneur who looks at this building will see a multi-functional entertainment centre and more than just a cinema. So they must think of alternative uses.'' There are those who believe Bermuda has no room to accommodate a fifth cinema.

And one of the reasons the BLDC wants the new theatre to be open for plays and musicals as well as movies is to ease the concerns of the nearby New Somers Playhouse in St. George's.

"I haven't spoken with them at all,'' says Mr. Orchard, who will advertise the tender within four to six weeks.

"I haven't heard from them. But we are sensitive to their concerns. That's why we want a new user to find multi purposes for the building.

"Then, hopefully there won't be any direct competition.'' The old theatre, on Corregidor Drive off St. David's Road, still comes complete with stage lighting system and control centre.

There is 1,400 square feet of office space and parking across the street.

Then there are the added attractions of telephone and toilets, running and salt water, a fire alarm and AC system.

Popcorn has long been swept away from the carpeted foyer area. "The opportunities are seamless,'' adds Mr. Orchard. "There is a stage, there are changing rooms.

"There's the possibility of hosting stage shows and theatre, plays and other musical events. It offers so much more than just being a movie theatre.

"We have already had one or two community events and a couple of plays are already scheduled for next year.

"It's in good, functional condition as a building. It's not in good, functional condition as a movie theatre.'' So soon, the seats once packed with Navy airmen and officers could be filled for community plays and musicals.

One thing yet to be determined is the lease cost and opening date for the new theatre.

"They are things which will be determined by the market and potential bidders,'' adds Mr. Orchard. "There's no comparable value because it's such a distinctive building. Everything else is uncertain. Although I would like to see an operator in place by the Fall and have the building open by the New Year.'' Then the epic of a theatre which has now been closed for more than three years can finally come to an end. And work can start on the sequel.